Olwen Williams Webb

Olwen Williams Webb of Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 25. Olwen was a loving soul to everyone and an incredible example of selflessness and generosity. If you knew Olwen you loved her and will always remember that special smile and twinkle in her eye. Olwen, born on February 2, 1924, was the eighth and last child of Mary and William R. Williams who had immigrated from Wales to Wilkes Barre, PA, for work in the mines. She often referred to herself as a "Coal Miners Daughter" as she addressed challenge and adversity with a can do spirit. She married her husband, Harold, just after WWII, and they filled their lives with laughter, adventure and the deepest love for each other and their children. She loved her church, music, the pool and beach, playing bridge, writing poetry and feeding anyone that walked through her door. She wanted for little but gave in abundance!Olwen worked until retirement as a library assistant at the old John Gorrie Jr High School. She followed this with volunteering at St Vincents Hospital, The Ronald McDonald House, The Florida Theater and her church.A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, January 30, at 11:30am at First United Methodist Church, 225 East Duval St. Jacksonville, FL 32202, to be followed by a luncheon. The Reverends Richard Petry and Jim Moss will be officiating. Olwen is survived by her children, Bill Webb (Karen) of Coconut Creek, FL, Mary McNeil (Steve) of Waynesville, NC, and Ellen Balanky of Jacksonville. She had seven adoring grandchildren, Benjamin, Ellen (Jeremy), Bryn, Stephen (Melisa), Matthew (Emily), Sarah (Shawn), and David, as well as eight very special great grandchildren. She was very close to her niece, Vonny Shoemaker, and her children, William and Elizabeth. Olwen had close relationships with so many people from her work, her neighbors, her bridge club, and her church as well as special "adopted" daughters. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold M. Webb, her seven siblings, and her son-in-law, David Balanky.A visitation with family and friends will be on Tuesday, January 29, from 4-6 pm at George H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home, 4104 University Boulevard, South, Jacksonville, FL. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, FL.The family looks forward to celebrating her special life with friends and family..Receiving FriendsGeorge H. Hewell and Son Funeral Home (Southside)Tuesday, January 29, 20194:00 PM - 6:00 PM4140 University Blvd., So.Jacksonville, FL 32216Memorial ServiceFirst United Methodist ChurchWednesday, January 30, 201911:30 AM225 E. Duval SteetJacksonville, FL 32202